Wow! What a weekend! I got a chance to attend the John Legend concert. I got to hang out with great friends. Also a chance to meet new ones that I know I will keep in touch with! It was good getting to see the Legend up and close in person interacting with fans. However this is not the purpose of my post. Wow! Ok through lifes journey there are times when I meet someone that reminds me of another person. It might be that they actually look like the person, or similar personality. For whatever the reason may be they just remind you of that particular person. Well thats what happened this weekend! I was reminded of a person that influenced me while I was growing up. This is something that she wrote before she passed! If you have time take time to read thanks. I call her AUNT DAWN.

Jesus My Tower of Strength

Wow! Has it been fifteen years already since my diagnosis of cancer? I am a cancer survivor. Here is a tidbit about my journey. My opportunity for great praise began in 1993. Somehow cancer found a way to invade my body. I was a triathlete, vegetarian, regular-exercising Christian young woman. Cancer was the last thing I suspected would be my malady. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after the initial shock passed, what began to matter to me most was not “Why me?” but “How can I use this challenge to bring glory to my God?” I was the one singing with exuberance: “I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord,” “Victory Is Mine,” and “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.”

I talked to God about my survival. He asked me how much survival time I would be satisfied with if He granted my request. I asked God to please be kind to me and allow me to see my youngest child graduate from high school—she was in the third grade at the time. A reasonable request, don’t you think? I have three children and wanted the privilege of rearing them in a loving, happy, God-fearing home. God said to me, “I will do that for you.” My faith latched onto His Word. I was cured. I took the recommended medical and herbal treatments and kept on living life with gusto and praise.

My daughters and I went skydiving. I left all my troubles in the sky with God. We had a blast! We went on family Caribbean vacations and frequent skiing outings. The children grew to know and love God. We were active participants in the church school and church youth programs. I focused on praise parties. No pity parties were allowed. Laughter and living life to the fullest was the family’s agenda. Our family built memory after memory. I especially remember my fiftieth birthday party and twenty-fifth anniversary cruise. We had high school graduation celebrations for my son and eldest daughter, and then my youngest daughter. The celebrations were grand.

Two months to date, of my youngest child’s graduation, I felt bone pain. The cancer had resurfaced in my hip bones. My faith grew like an oak tree in the spring. God had given me exactly what I asked for. He answered my prayer. He kept His word. If He never does another thing for me, I know He answers prayer. When He asked me again how much time I wanted, I gave Him full reign to do what?ever He wanted. I was assured of His love for me. I was also sure of His promises, knowledge, and ever-present helpfulness to me through every challenge, health or otherwise.

He is there with sustaining strength for trials, and to regulate the mind. When I was diagnosed with cancer, like many survivors, I had to keep positive thoughts; if not, death threats would take over. There is concern that every ache or pain could be the cancer again. There are thoughts of loss of life and funerals that can frequently creep into the mind. These thoughts and concerns must be avoided like the plague. Being aware of the body’s responses to treatment and medication is necessary, but figuring out how your family will survive minus you is not your territory of concern. Why take God’s job away? He can do it all. I had to get that straight.

It is because of Christ’s birth into this world that I know He understands my pain, debilitating pain. It is because of Christ’s birth that I can identify with someone who stood bravely through the unfairness, viciousness, and deadly grip sin tries to place on God’s people in the world. Jesus came here to teach me how a child of God can go through tough times and still have joy and happiness. Since Jesus did it, I can follow Him and do it also. Right? If you are in a similar challenge, so can you.

Thank God for the birth of His Son here on earth. He is truly my Tower of Strength! When I die, and we all will one day (this is not a practice run), I will rest until I rise with a cancer-free body. If I am faithful and develop His character, with His help, I will live eternally with Jesus— pain-free, cancer-free, and sin-free.

Thank You, Jesus for Your birth on my behalf. I love You, Lord. I glorify You, Lord. I will praise Your name for evermore. You are worthy of all my praises and thanksgiving. Thank You for keeping me alive seven more years already from what I originally asked for. Awesome! Proverbs 9:11 says: “For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” You gave me that promise, Lord, and I am giving You one in return. I will praise Your name till I die. I will never give up my faith in You. When the time is right, You will gently lay me to rest. Psalms 116:15 says: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Until that time I’m going to be Your shadow. Give me strength to walk like You. I also have to deal with developing a Christ-like character along with this malady. Help me to accept the threatening words people send my way, just as You did. Help me to know when to speak and when to keep silent, just as You did. I’m learning, Jesus, that the center of my life is You, not my cancer. My response to life’s trials will be praises to You. It is all because of You that I can stand and face each day with joy. Thank You, Jesus, for sustaining me. Psalms 3:5 says: “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.”

It is because of Christ’s birth that cancer, like any other challenge, is just something a soldier can and must overcome in this life. I decided to comfort other soldiers along the way. I decided not to complain or discourage others. I decided to upload all my blessings from God and to download my praise to others about every blessed experience. In doing this I help to bring glory to my Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). That is, bar none, the best Christmas gift ever.

DAWN DAVIS is a retired registered nurse and recently relocated to Orlando, Florida, from Maryland. She has been married for 30 years to Kenley Davis, M.D., and they have three children. She is sharing that she has metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bone, lung, brain, liver, and kidney. She has lost sight in her left eye due to a tumor. She presently attends Patmos Chapel in Orlando. She says the favor of God is what keeps her going. On May 12, 2007, God gave her the strength to get out of her bed, after having been there for several days, to be the Women's Day guest speaker for her church.

December 10, 2007
Dawn Davis went to her rest on December 6, 2007. She, because of her hold on God’s unchanging hand, remained faithful to God throughout her 15-year battle with cancer. God honored her request and gave her seven years more than she asked for. The night before her death, she and her family had a praise and worship service. What a beautiful way for her to have ended her life—giving praise to God because of His faithfulness. She is awaiting the call of the Life-giver, Jesus Christ, when He comes in the clouds of glory to take His faithful ones home to live with Him for eternity. What a glorious day that will be! I Thessalonians 4:13-17. The question for us is: are we eagerly anticipating Jesus’ return with what is in our hearts, as well as by the way we live? He is going to take the faithful with Him. God help us all to be in that number.

I really need to step my game back in on posting! This is getting ridiculous. I have so many thoughts racing through my head and I need to get them out through my blog! Ok it is MARCH 23, Wow! Time has flown this is crazy. I know I say that in every post but I promise you it's like time does not exist here. I find the weekends extremely difficult sometimes. I say this because you meet so many quality people its hard to be at many places at once. This weekend I had the great opportunity to chill and hang with the people that I will keep in touch with beyond KOREA. Saturday night we had a game against a team called the "DEARS" they had a couple of X-KBL players they were a tough team we split out of two games. Anyways My schedule coming up looks like this.

Opening of OUR ENGLISH VILLAGE
Concert with the LEGEND
Basketball Game
Learning to play the FLUTE at School (random I know)
Week training for all ELEMENTARY SCHOOL teachers.

MY schedule keeps me MAD busy so on the weekends its def nice to just chill out. CATCH up on my emails and calls something in the month of MARCH I have not been good at. Anyways I have been vibing out to old school tunes for the month of March so thought I would mix it up and get a different style haircut!! lol hahahha so I went vintage on em!

Its been awhile since I got on here and let everyone know how I was doing out here in Korea. I guess it's been about a week since I have posted something last. I just wanted to give a quick update of how I was doing.

The new semester started last week! Things have been going great! I have two Co-Teachers and things have been running and operating smoothly. For the majority of the day we are in are office talking and getting to know each other. It is funny because before coming here I knew I would get to know my Co Workers. However I TRULY believe that my relationship with Soon Joo will carry on as my time closes to an END here. Last week a buddy on my basketball team brought back two bottle's of HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH and gave me one! So that was def an highlight of my week. They have ranch here but it does not taste close or the same to the ranch back home. Last weekend we had another basketball game. We played well everyone played with energy we smashed them to say the least hahhaahha. However it was good being on the court. On the 29th! IM GOING TO SEE JOHN LEGEND! so I am excited about that. On April 1st i'm going to see NORTH KOREA VS. SOUTH KOREA soccer match or shall I say FUTBOL match. I am really excited about that! I always tell people that each week and weekend that goes by is def going to be harder for me to leave! It will truly be BITTERSWEET! until then I am going to keep on TEACHING! hOPE everyone that is reading is well! Peace! Lg life's good

Fresh START. My School is being Upgraded!

Stepping Up

Wow! This has definitely been a good week. I came back from having some time off for the past couple of weeks. When I left they had started construction on the English Zone (the section of the school that is designated strictly for English purposes). I honestly don't know if this will improve the kid's English but I hope so. If anything else I think it will generate an excitement for the kid's to be excited to learn. I know that just being around the whole process has created excitement for me. I feel that I have to step up to the plate now and really deliver. Taebong will have state of the art facilities, resources, and equipment. Before all I had was a book to teach from and limited materials. Now sky is the limit. I also feel like I need to step up to the plate and deliver. My school has involved me alot with the planning and construction of the zone. I have given valuable input of what things should be added or taken out. I have given names to certain areas in the zone as well as hand pick inspirational phrases that will be posted throughout the zone. Also this week my school told me that they want to hire another native English teacher as well to be in charge of the after school programming. Even though I have many teachers at school with whom I talk to on a regular basis. It will be nice to have another native English teacher with me there as well. Here are some photos of what the zone is looking like so far

Lighten up on the BUS!

Last night my friend and I wanted to get out of our city just for awhile. So we hopped on the bus and went to the next city over and met our other friend. The three of us just hung out and basically talked the whole night until about 12 or so. We talked about life, home, and Korea etc. Anyways as we are on the bus coming home we are talking on the bus. We are not talking loud! We are not using profanity or talking about anything inappropriate. We are simply having a casual conversation until an older lady turns around and motioning us to be quiet. I found this to be EXTREMELY RUDE! I sat to myself thinking no this lady did not turn around and shhh me! I sat there I didn't respond back to her in anyway. I simply pretended that she didn't exist. As I go on talking the bust driver starts FLAPPING AT THE MOUTH. hahhaha I have no clue what he is saying but I know he is telling us to be quiet! Now I don't know if it was because I was a foreigner or if he was in a bad mood and didn't want to hear noise. Either way I thought it was very disrespectful and rude. I could understand if we were so loud that we were disturbing the ride of others. However we weren't! We were sitting right across from each other talking in a calm tone. I have noticed KOREANS are uptight when they ride public transportation. It's as if everyone is mad at the world. I know for a fact they always talk about happiness and being happy. Geez!! they even have a WORLD KNOWN COMPANY! in LG where there slogan is LIFE'S GOOD!! Wow? that's interesting if LIFE'S SO GOOD do me a favor and LIGHTEN UP ON THE BUS! just thought I would share that with everyone...Hope everyone is well peace

MUSIC= A universal Language

I am sitting in the auditorium of Taebong Elementry school as I get my thoughts out for this blog. Monday is Graduation day for the 6th Graders.
In the ceremony there will be a prelude that will be played by some of my fellow co- workers. Usually when everyone comes to work it is to teach. There are not
many times where you get to see other teachers in another light because the time you share with them is at school. Well today I had the chance to connect
some more with the teachers at my school through the gift of music. The day for me ended when it started lol. I do not mean to be funny but the school year does
not start until May 1st so until then the school is undergoing maitnece and construction of certian areas in school to prepare for the upcoming year. I was walking around
the school searching for something or someone to talk to. I decided to go upstairs to where the graduation is being held. I opened the door to melatotic sounds of the piano,
chello, and violin. I wish I would have listend to my parents and kept up with it! They always told me I would regret and sure as the day is long I def regret it.
Three teachers whom I adore professionally and personally. The way that the three of them where effortlessly playing made me feel some type of way. They always say
that it is never to late to start learning how to play an instrument. It was good for me to see them in another light than teaching. Also I don't know why I am surprised
it is very common for at a young age for Korean kid's to take intstrument lessons and stick with it. However I was really surprised when the one teacher that was playing the
chello stopped playing and laid the chello ever so gently on the floor and hopped on the piano as if she never played the chello. All three of them played multiple instruments.
For this brief moment the four of us spoke the same language. We all enjoyed each others company and the passion for music. Today was a very dark and gloomy day in Korea
however with the sounds of all three instruments blending together made my day! I can honestly say this is what I invisioned when I signed the contract to come to Korea
not only did I want to give part of my self to the school in which I would teach at but in Some way I wanted to connect with my school and Co- workers on a personal level and that is exactly
what is happening here. Today made me realize that this was the best decision that I could have made for my life at this point and time. Needless to say Im happy about life. Im happy about my
deicsion your boi! is doing it super big. Until next time remember always always! LIFES GOOD

Taking it back

Im in a real chilled out mood. I had a great dinner and evening with some other teachers in my area. I hardly have any classes this week as they are remodling my area. I have no Homework lol! Im in a great mood. I am going to take it back! I remember not long ago when I was in Elem or Middle school my Dad used to play Anita Baker hard. I remember him having the Anita bumping in the car or if we were cleaning up the house. I was listening to a Rap artist named Drake and he has a song in which 9th wonder samples a track from Anita Baker - Sweet Love. So I had to go back to the original song by Anita Baker and vibe out. So songs for you Pops! I'll be home soon to vibe out

Finding the Next Move

Its 2:27 am on a Tuesday night I should be sleeping because I start work tomorrow after being off for the past two weeks. I want to get my thoughts out before I head to bed. In the night time is when I have time to reflect on my past and thinking about my future.

I was watching one of my favorite movies Finding Forrester and I found myself absorbed in the movie thinking about the future. I think why I love the movie so much is because I was very similar to the main character. I went to a private school in High School to achieve "a better education". I was a standout athlete on the basketball team so I believe some teachers didn't expect much from me. I always felt the need to go above and beyond to prove myself that I could do the work that was given. Anyways to fast forward my thoughts I have been here in South Korea for 5 months now. I am starting to put light pressure on myself to figure out my next move. I have always struggled with doing what society forces you and steers you thinking you have to go to grad school to get a decent job. Should I just find a normal job and live low key? Should I come back and do a second year of teaching? My thoughts are I want to do what I love and that's basketball. In some shape form or fashion I want to be around the game. This film recharged my thoughts about the possibilities of being a GRADUATE ASSISTANT (assistant on a basketball team while studying for your masters). Tomorrow school starts back up so I will have plenty of time to get back networking, sending emails, and getting information on grad school. For now I am just going to try and be a sponge to this Korean culture and do my very best at teaching.

This Months Activities Will Include

Basketball game every Saturday Night in Feb with my Team x-bulls

Visiting Cheongju

Preparing for the John Legend Concert

Following up on some Saving Goals

Networking back home for the next move

p.s. If you haven't seen Finding Forrester I suggest that you download it and watch it! Or get to your nearest video store and rent it

Friday's eArly EvENING Thoughts

Its been a minute since I have gotten on here letting everyone know how I was doing. So before I go and pick up my clothes from the cleaners I thought I say something before leaving. I am still on vacation. I do not go back to school until next Wed which will be the 4Th of Feb. The vacation was really chill. I was trying to make it out to Shanghai with some of boys out here but that fell through. It still was a good feeling to know that I could take a trip and it would have no effect on my pockets that was a great feeling. I used to be the person that wanted to be on the paper chase. I am realizing that money comes and goes . However its a great feeling to know that I have the monetary means to do whatever I want with in reason. In the states the little money that I did have went straight to bills and gas for my car. I was literally living check to check. Anyways fast forwarding. I finally got a new computer out here. It cost me 630,000 Won which is almost equivalent to 430.000 USD something like that. It was a tad high but it was one of the cheapest I could find. I was just looking for something to check my mail and get on skype so it serves it purpose.
I am looking forward to the New Year there will be some changes happening at my school that I think will be beneficial to me. They are renovating my class room and I am getting a new Co- Teacher. I will def keep everyone posted on that.
Lastly, I did want to mention that being away from home and hearing bad news is very strange feeling. I mean bad news is bad news wherever you are. But there is something about not actually being there that hits home. About a week ago I received word from my Mother that a close friend of the family and church member passed away. I knew that he had been sick and I had been praying for a speedy recovery for him for awhile. I was not expecting him to pass in the time that he did. It home. Honestly, Its hard to describe the feeling. I do know that the brother was full of KNOWLEDGE I mean full! He was one of those guys in your family when you had a question about black history or anything he would know every answer to every question. To tell you the truth whenever I think of black history I think of Brother Frazier. I'm blessed to have been raised around positive Black Males to pattern my life after so that I can stand as a monument to the ones that came before....

I just wanted to take some time and def reflect on his passing. I guess God is collecting his Angels right? until next post. Liefs good

History is mADE and LiFE iS gOOD!

I feel like its completely necessary to get some of my thoughts and feelings OUT about the inauguration. With both of my parents growing up and living in DC and me being raised for part of my life around the area. I feel the need to get some thoughts to real ease how it feels to be away from History but at the same time connected.

First, I want to state that I am by no means a political buff. I will admit that I have not be in tune with politics the way that I have tuned into this year's election. The biggest issue for me was that when I was young looking through the text books. I didn't see people that looked like me. Their was no people of color or different ethnic background. To me that sent a wrong message that I couldn't be in politics because the color of my skin. Now some reading may disagree with that statement or say that it's false. However I promise that is HOW I honestly felt. Then the problem thickened when I would go to church and here the Pastor say that " We are all Equal created after his Image". Well in my mind if we were all Equal how come I don't see people that look like me hold certain jobs!

Now by no means am I trying to turn this Election into A Racial debate. It's been a long time since I have had the pride of being AMERICAN!! The only other time was when we won GOLD for BASKETBALL THIS PAST SUMMER..hahha. Seriously, I am proud to be American. I am proud to be from the DMV area and always will... And I am proud that my Kids will look in the history books and see someone that looks like them. They will be able to say I CAN DO anything!!! I put my mind to! History has been made! I feel little distant but at the same time when I walk around and Koreans shout to me OBAMA and run up to me and give me hugs!! I know Change is being made!!! Until then people!!! HISTORY IS MADE AND LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!

Positivity

Its been a minute since my last post! Many of things has happened since. But the simple fact that I have life to write this post is a blessing so all other complaints are secondary. After having a good weekend I was able to finally get on here and sort out my thoughts because I didn't want to make the post to long. However in some way I do feel the need to get my thoughts out here.
Last Sunday to make a long story short. I came home to my apartment to find that it had been broken into and my belongings stolen. My computer and Digital Camera were taken from my apartment the only two valuables that I have in my Apartment. Now when I came into my apartment I'm not going to lie I was baffled, angry, mad, and any other emotion you can think of. I think the thing that set in most was that my laptop was my lifeline back home. I love my family I love my friends and keeping up with them on a regular basis is ABSOLUTELY necessary while me being out here! That night I got no rest I had nothing or what it seemed like nothing to do. I glanced over at my Bible and began reading. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I prayed that night. Maybe it was God telling me that I was spending to much time on the computer and worrying about videos and photos instead of spending some time reading his word during my free time. Maybe the only way for God to get my attention was to take away the two things that distracted me the most. Maybe. All I know is I am glad to be safe. Money comes and goes. Material things can be replaced but life can't. I have remained positive throughout it all because I know negativity only makes situations worse. This weekend made me realize you have to surround yourself with positive people in order to grow.

Until then I hope everyone reading is doing well and Rollin with positive people that are uplifting your life...Until next post stay blessed and remember always always LG...Life's Good

Holidays in Korea!

Wow time is flying! I cant believe that its almost New Years! This time last year I was in practice running countless suicides and having two a days getting ready for the second half of the season! Now I am Half way around the world about to spend the new years in a New Country! Not to mention that I will have the opportunity to celebrate two New Years!! The Solar New Years in which WE celebrate back home in the states and also the Lunar New Year which is Jan 26th and 27th in which most Asian countries recognize as the New Year!

So Let me give you a quick quick quick update of what has happened in the past Week. I am going to type really fast so please excuse my grammar and all of that! Ok I was super excited about being in another country for Xmas bACk home Xmas for the past couple of years has always been a good time to relax take some time off of basketball..But there was always the thought of having to go back to practice so didn't get to enjoy like I really wanted to! But looking back at it now I miss it! Anyways Xmas eve me and my friends. Mike from chi town and joe from Australia via the states, and sue from Canada and states we all went to a famous place to shop called Dongdaemun at least I thought I was going shopping! Ok in my contract it says that if your payday falls on a holiday which is the 25th so xmas falled on my payday. You should receive your pay on the 24th! Ok So I was so amped to get paid..I get to the bank and my money is not there! So I could have gotten mad which I was Little but there wasn't any reason to get bent out of shape there was nothing NOTHING I could do! I checked on Xmas it wasn't there! then finally the 26th I called my co teacher and calmly asked her Why I wasn't paid. She told me that the lady in the office forgot?! lol haha hahhaha all you can do is laugh really lol....hahahha how do you forget to pay an employee! I tell you what One day I should not show up to school and say that I forgot however Two wrongs don't make a right...Long story short My money was put in my account that day resuming my Holiday! I WOULD not let that Major incident get in the way of me enjoying my Holiday!

Fast Forwarding to Xmas! Its funny to me how small the world is. A friend I went to college with is from Japan! Her family moved to Korea about a year ago! I got a call saying that she was in town for break! It was perfect timing it was good catching up with things going on back at home and at school and also seeing a familiar face was something I appreciated for the Holidays!!

I am still enjoying my time here trying to pick up on the language! Tomorrow I will go and have an exchange lesson with one of my friend and his co teacher. We will go and speak English in exchange for Korean lessons. It's a good way to learn about Korean Culture as well as share your own with Koreans that normally do not often get to speak English! IT WOrks out great for both parties!

Final Thoughts: TO live here in Korea you have to be able to go with the flow. Plans, itinerary , and things change on the drop of a Dime. In a sense you have to have patience, understanding, and a willingness to grow. IN MY EXPERIENCE AND I am not speaking for all NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS HERE! I am speaking for myself "In my experience here thats the biggest thing I would say that very few things are planned and at a drop of a call your whole day could go the other direction. However with that said! Korea is a great place to meet different people around the world! Experiencing a different culture and way of life and also a chance to take a break from the norm...All in all the GOOD def out weighs the BAD!!!! SO as I always say! Until next Post! Always Always Always! Remember lifes good!!!!!!!!!!!

Late Night Thoughts

What! A week. I had a great week this week. My school had an English FESTIVAL, had training in a part of Korea I haven't seen yet, Got a chance to kick it with my Homie MARIA AND JIN SUN after Maria's game in GUri, and Also met a mutual Friend. It was a great week. This week It's kind of crazy. My vacation starts I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do for my break. This week I think I am going to dedicate some more time and trying to learn Hongul. I have many Korean friends that know English alittle but not fluent enough to have in depth conversations. It's about 1:19 am in the morning I should be sleep but I just wanted to get my thoughts out while its fresh! Im loving Korea! I know time flys. I am trying to enjoy every moment each conversation and each meal. I know life's short and I want to live it to the fullest! I have ran into some that just bash Korea, the people, the food, and the lifestyle. Then my question is why are they here? Im CONFUSED lol sure things get complicated because of cultural differences and miscommunication but at the end of the day I am loving being immersed in the Korean Culture. I know very soon I will be back in the states not having to dry my clothes on the floor or turn a button on to turn the hot water on. So in this time I am going to enjoy myself through the good and the bad! Cause thats just what im doing loving my time here! peace

Koreans- Respectful & Gentle People

Ive been here for almost three months. People ask me how Koreans treat you. I usually respond by saying for the most part they will bend over backwards for you. Granted that everyone gets angry or is rude at some point. However respect is a huge thing in their culture. On two occasions I have been at the right place at the right time to catch rare footage to support my statement that Koreans are respectful and peaceful people here are some videos to support my statement lol

I was going into burger king thinking I was going to get a meal and get a taxi and head home. This guy decides to go behind the counter! DID YOU NOTICE HE reached and ate a french fry! and Ate It! LoL if this happened in the states what in the WORLD DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN! THATS RIGHT HE IS BEHIND BARS FOR BEING INTOXICATED IN PUBLIC. Not here they just asked calmly not to do that and escorted him behind the counter this is support number 1!


hahahhaha these two guys are obviously drunk and fighting over who knows what! Lol the police come and calmly seperate the two! Once again what would have happened in the States? THATS RIGHT BOTH OF THEM KNUCKLE HEADS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT A CHARGE OR SOMETHING!!

Constructive Criticism

After coming back from a great weekend. The last thing I wanted to do was start off the week jaring off at the mouth with my Co teacher! As I stated before me and my co teacher get along fine off the field so to speak. Outside the classroom we are fine we talk and share are cultures with each other. However in the classroom we arent the greatest duo in education history lol. I think are main problems is communication. I keep telling here as we get to know each other and what we need to do we will be good. Anyways to make a long story short we had a spat this morning when disscusing the lesson. That spat opened up a can of worms of how I am not pulling my weight, sit at my desk, just walk around the classroom etc. Granted that is indeed what I do at times because she does not involve me in the lesson at all. So I just sit there. So therefore she does most of the lesson and I chime in from time to time when she asks me to do something and conduct the game. Well after our spat today it was all good. I was teaching the class myself! and she was there for discplinary actions and translating here and there!

This is how it should be! I should be teaching 70% and she should be teaching 30% before it was the other way around! Once she saw that the kid's were having fun! and were comfortable with me up there teaching she was at ease...I am a passionate person I do understand constructive criticism. Playing colliegate basketball has taught me that. Being able to take advice and learn from mistakes is very important in the work field or anything you do! My Co Teacher/ Boss told me the things she wants to see from me and thats what I am going to do.

I simply was being me during the lesson today and I believe that she saw the potential and the passion when I was teaching. This does give me hope for the future as I am still feeling my way around teaching! No one wants to feel unappreciated or that their doing a bad job! I just think our problem is communication and everyday we will get better at that...Until next time... Enjoy the photos below...And coming soon is VIDEO BLOGS FROM LUNCH, Health Club, Korean Cribs, and English Festival...Until next time I hope all is well and always always remember lifes good!

Dinner With Co Teachers/ Wedding Photos

Attention: Board with your Desk job, Just Graduated, Want to see the World, Lovers of Asia, and want TO travel on a free ticket. South Korea is for U!

I am the type of person I am going to give 100% or I am not going to do it all. If I am feeling something I am going to do it. If I have any doubt I will not go through with something. Also my friends always joke around and say I like to exaggerate some things but I don't think its exaggerating I think it's I'm passionate what I am doing and want to share with others. Yesterday, I was talking to an old friend catching up and expressed to her I was in Korea teaching English. I told her little bit about it and how it came about. So I figured I would make of post of those people that are interested. Once again I never know who is reading this blog I just post information and hope that it gets read more importantly its my way of giving back...

Teaching English in Korea
Requirements

Native English Speaker from- USA, NEW ZEALAND, GREAT BRIT IAN, SOUTH AFRICA, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, and CANADA

Degree from any credited University

Documents you will need

The signed contract
Your original degree
Sealed university transcripts (unopened)
Copy of the Info Page in your Passport
4 color passport photos
A Signed copy of your resume with correct address and contact information
Criminal Record Check

MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOU! (IMMA KEEP IT funky and real with You)

The Benefits

Round Trip Flight to and from Korea (I thought it was a joke! I did not come out of my pocket for my tickets. It was taking care of by my agent Teacheslkorea.com soon as I received my visa!) Before I knew it I was on a plane from DC- DETROIT-TOKYO-KOREA

Usually you will work M-F and work total amount of 22 hours. Which is about 4 classes a day (What they do not tell you is that you are at work from 8:30 to 4:30) However you are not working the whole day. School is out and kids go home around 1. So from 1- 430 its free time to do whatever you choose to within the school. In my time I email. Keep up with the site. Talk on skype. Watch videos. Try and learn Korean and talk to my other Co Workers.

Paid every month 2,000,000 yes 2 mill Won(It used to be about 1 to 1 but because of the economy it has gone done slightly but you can still save a good amount of money) sometimes more depending where your contract is.

Paid Vacation

20 Vacation DAYS

Health Insurance Coverage

AND THE MAIN REASON OR BIGGEST REASON I AM HERE FREEE HOUSING!!! (Yes, people free!!! the rent is free) back in the states living is your biggest expense eliminate that and you free up more disposable money to go towards something else.

Also benefits they dont list but that I am going to list!

Great people. meet people from all over the world. teaching is fun with the kids. always have money in your pocket. great public transportation. emerging yourself in another culture. communicating with someone who doesn't look and speak like you! All in all its a great Opportunity and I just want to share with others that are still not sure if they know what they want to do and want something different. Any questions don't hesitate to ask or email me at lyons.jered@gmail.com

Rock Papers Scissors: THE LAW

Back in the states. I thought this was just an innocent game that was created to pass time on the playground. Or decide little spats. LOL LOL HAHHA WELL not in KOREA! lol

The way I see it the simple game Rock Paper Scissors is the LAW and thats it! I have been here almost 3months and on several occasions have I seen major problems decided by this game. Your fate is left in the hands of a ROCk, Paper, and a Scissor...Personally speaking I would be pissed if I lost a bet or had to do something I didn't want to because of a game where there is a high chance of loosing. At my school Taebong Elementary I paid it no mind just laughing it off. However when I see grown men doing it thats where I realize it's not a game anymore lol its the LAW....

Cheezy PUTTING ON for his City. TOP 20 Ranking

#23 Corey Dorsey
Position: Guard/ForwardHeight:

6-5Weight: 193

Class: Senior

Hometown: Frederick, Md.

High School: St. Johns at Prospect Hall

Just because I am out here in Korea doesnt mean that I am not going to keep in contact or updated with people that I have played with in high school or college. Last year two of my teammates from high school Al Sowers (1,000+ point scorer in high school and in College @ USCG) and Corey Dorsey faced off in the Sweet 16.

This season Cheezy is starting right where he left off propeling Gettysburg to a top 20 ranking in DivisionIII keep doing your thing manye!!!!